The week of Play

Well, for all you out there, we have had a great Christmas and miss you all very much. We tried to convince Uncle Mark and Thomas to come up to the Las Vegas Bowl for a quick day, but we were unsuccessful. Too bad, it was an awesome game!!!

That game will go down in BYU history as one of the great wins. How many ways is BYU going to find to pull out wins. I mean 4th and 18, Harline is open, and now Eathyn Manumaleuna sticks up a big paw and alters the kick just enough. Wow, I know the roof would have blown off the top of the stadium if it had had one. It was sooooo cool to see the ucla players and fans. They were in a state of shock. They had become more and more cocky as the second half had proceeded. They were a very good team, and we played a horrible game, but part of that was the defense that ucla put on the field. They played us well. It was with great satisfaction that we drove home that night.

We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. We had a fun one. The gift of choice seems to be the new Rock Band video game. That is the one where you have to play the guitar, drums, and sing for scores. With 3 able to play at once, it helps with the turns.

Hope you all have a safe and fun New Years. We love and miss all of you so much. It has been a wild ride this summer and fall, and I for one am a little glad to see it behind us. I am ready for a little piece and quiet. You are the best family in the world.

Uncle Dave

Christmas Break!

Ok I gave everyone plenty of time and now I'm coming back, because I want to know when everyone gets their christmas break? Please everyone let me know because I think we are getting ripped off! Please let me know! Hey just one more thing, Hey Emma is there a reason you haven't answered my e-mail I'm afraid I'm sending it to the wrong person, so let me know about that!

Me again!

Sorry me again. I just wanted everyone to feel my pain. Has anyone here had a tooth pulled (probably knowing my jeans)? But I had a tooth pulled and a filling removed and filled back up again(it did have a little cavity on top but I've been leaving that part out). I've had three shots today and I'm not feeling so hot. And I just wanted everyone to know how I feel so that I'm not the only sad person around here. JK I don't want you to be sad(That stuff really did happen though)!

Where is everone?

Man we are all acting like its fast sunday and we're all waiting for someone else to get up and bear their testimony! So I'll be the brave one for once and say something. So how is everyone? Are the parents ready with awesome gifts? I sure hope so! See ya!

Heaven was Needing a Hero...Jo Dee Messina

I came by today to see you

I had to let you know

If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time

I'd have held you and never let go

It's kept me awake nights, wondering

Lie in the dark, just asking why

I've always been told You won't be called home

Until it's your time

I guess heaven was needing a hero

Somebody just like you

Brave enough to stand up For what you believe

And follow it through

When I try to make it make sense in my mind

The only conclusion I come to

Is heaven was needing a hero like you

I remember the last time I saw you

You held your head up proud

I laughed inside when I saw how you were standing out in the crowd

You're such a part of who I am

Now that part will just be void

No matter how much I need you now

Heaven needed you more

Cause heaven was needing a hero

Somebody just like you

Brave enough to stand up

For what you believe and follow it through

When I try to make it make sense in my mind

The only conclusion I come to

Is heaven was needing a hero

Like you

Heaven was needing a hero and that's you

HELLO

What is up family? When this blog was first made everyone was posting, commenting, and it was lots of fun. Now it seems like everyone has their own blog (including me; www.mygeniusmind.blogspot.com) and nobody does anything with this one. So I just thought I would try to kick start this blog back up by posting. So, let's get back to blogging!!!!

After a 20 year absence....John was reintroduced to HOBGOBLINS! We had a blast making them tonight and continuing this beloved family tradition. There is nothing that a good HOBGOBLIN can't cure.

John's been doing okay, he has his good days and bad days. Just keep sending him your love.

Hey Everyone

hey, i know i'm gonna appear to be a major copy cat, but i thought it would be fun to have my own blog to. i won't post as much probably, but still. visit it please: bubbyboy.blogspot.com. Josh, if you are offended with me copying you at all, just tell me and i will delete.

Visit My New Blog

Hey guys! I just made a new blog. The address is www.crowleykid.blogspot.com. So visit and make lots of comments or else I'll have your head!

Two Best Buds

These are two of my best buds! I have grown rather close to these two guys over the past few weeks. John is doing well and is looking great. We have had amazing talks and continue to gain a strong relationship. I know he loves to hear from his family...so keep the phone calls coming. Continue to keep John in your prayers. I know that he needs them.

This is John's roommate Leroy! I love this man! He is so nice to me and always treats me like I am part of his family. He always asks me if I watched the BYU games and what I thought of them. I like to go in there and gives these guys some laughs!

Chaparral Football

So as you all know (or didn't know) I'm playing football for our school team. I've been busting my butt all summer and the first couple weeks of school. I hadn't been enjoying it too much because it was taking up a lot of my time. But yesterday changed my whole attitude toward the game of football. We had our first real scrimmage against other teams. It was a four-way scrimmage so we got the oppurtunity to kick 3 other schools butts. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! In the first game we started with the ball against a brand new high school and they really weren't very good. On the first drive they call a screen pass to my side (which means i get the ball). So I take my one step out and come back for the ball. The blocks i got were amazing and all i had to do was run straight into the endzone for a 30 yard touchdown!!!! That was all i did on offense really but our running back had some nice runs for td's as well. Then on defense i play linebacker, and the 3 foot qb throws the ball right to me, i snatch it out of the air, say thank you to the qb as i run by, and it's a pick. (okay, i actually didn't say thanks to the qb and he's not really 3 feet tall.) so that was pretty exciting. in our next game we did the same screen play and the result was the exact same!!! our defense didn't give up one touchdown in any of the 3 games and our offense scored a total of 5!!!! thought i might just tell ya all!!! love ya!!!

Giving New Meaning to Trash Talk

Earlier this summer Josh, Andrew, and Thomas went to EFY together. Josh decided to share his amazing percussion skills at the variety show.

New School Year

It seems as though everyone has gotten lax on posting on the family blog. Well, today is the start of a new school year for the BC Nilsens. Chris is headed to 8th grade, Brad is a JR. and David is starting a new program to train him for a job.

We did get David's Patriarchal Blessing last week. It was a little different from the ones that you normally have because it was David. The promises were wonderful as usual, but the Patriarch had a footnote that said that there were many of the blessings that would not be fulfilled until the next life. His blessings talked a lot about marriage, family, and children.

Brad is back to playing soccer and will be all over the field as far a positions go. His coach will use him as a utility player. Chris is still doing football, but the coach hasn't seen his talent shine through yet. We told him to just keep working hard and good things will happen.

Hope all is well with all of you. Talk to you soon.

Uncle Dave

futbol

Hey everybody!
Well I just started praticing football this sunday. It's going to be so fun. I just really hope I get some playing time. The coaches don't know me very well and I'm not as big as the other guys. I hope I get a chance to prove myself.
By the way thanks a million for adding me to the blog Uncle John.
LOVE Y'ALL
Cman

Lindsay

Lindsay! Surgery? What? Why? Inform. Please.

Uncle Rich

Happy Birthday Uncle Rich! It is the Big 5-0! I hope that you enjoyed the hearts plastered on your front door this morning. I love you and I am blessed to have you in my life! Congrats and happy birthday! I love you!

CELL PHONE

okay, so i just got a CELL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!! i got it like a week ago and i am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the numbers: 951 553 5538 call me sometime!!!!!!!

good times..good times..

so here is the story..i just got back from a basketball camp at SUU (which was a blast btw!) and i just thought that i would tell you that i thought of all of you as i past parowan and brian head! even the signs made me happy! i wanted to cry! i miss you guys like crazy!! thanx for always being there and making the memories with me i have now to remember for always and always! love you all! cant wait to see you again! muah!*

Thomas's Life

sorry about those last two posts, my finger slipped and i accidently hit enter. anyway, my life's goin okay right about now. our basketball team went undefeated in the regular season. we won in the first round of playoffs. then in the semi's we were playin a very difficult team. i'm not blamin this game on the refs but everyone agrees with me in this one. we lost by four because of the crappy refs. they were so crappy that uncle mark (yes calm, quiet uncle mark) nearly got our team a technical during the game. we checked the score book at the end of the game and we had 26 fouls called against us and only 11 for the other team!!! w/e though, we've gotten over it. anyway, tomorrow is my 8th grade promotion!!!! i'm very excited as well as nervous. i'm nervous because i am honored to be able to speak in front of everyone!!!! don't worry though, i've learned many speaking tips from television, specifically Dwight Shroot for "The Office". i'm going to wave my hands in the air and pound on the podium. no, jk. wish me luck!!! i love you all!!!

Released

Hi Family,

I thought I would let you all know that I was released yesterday as the Bishop of the Rancho California Ward. It's hard to believe five years have already passed. I am filled with many conflicting emotions today -- the strongest being a great sense of gratitude for the opportunity I've had to serve and for the love and support that my family provided me. My family has made many sacrifices and I want Keri and the children all to know how much I love and cherish each of them. However, our family has been very blessed and I am grateful as well for the goodness the Lord has provided.

I love you all!

Uncle Bubby

Danke Schon

Thanks for all the sweet messeges yesterday for our birthday...it is great to know that I (we) are loved. We had a great day and even went to the bathroom and bathed ALL BY MY SELF!!
A WOO HOO!!!!
and we got to wash our feet and submerge them in the warm bathtub so that was amazing!! but it was a great day and recovery is going well and the feet are beautiful and straighter than a piece of straw :) I love you all and I am so blessed to belong to such a great family!!

Heather and Heidi are 19!!!

Dear Heath and Heid,

I am not sure why only the title posted so I am trying this again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Wow! I cannot believe you are nineteen. If you were boys we'd be sending you off on missions! Crazy... I hope you both have a great day. Just take it easy and enjoy some German Pancakes (Germanos)--after all it is National German Pancake Week! Anyway, just kick back, watch a little "Hannah Montana" and be good to yourselves. We all love you so much. Thank you for coming into our lives and making them soooo much brighter!! You two are wonderful!

Love,

Auntie Janet and the fam

Heather and Heidi are 19!!!

Happy Birthday Tommy

Happy, happy birthday Tommy dear!
Happy days will come to you all year!
If I had one wish, then it would be
A Happy, Happy Birthday to You from ME!!!!!!

Tommy, I hope you have a fantastic Birthday! I am soo glad that YOU are my brother :-) Thank you for all the times you have: made me laugh, listened to me cry, reassured me that surely one day I would get married, called me "button", listened to me cry, listened to me brag about my kids, done "If I were the king of the FORRRRESSST", done the shake your chest dance, listened to me cry, coached me in intermural sports, and listened to me cry. (aren't you glad John Crowley came along to listen to me cry?)

Seriously, I love you Tommy. I love that you married Jill and I love your kids. You are a great example to me--Have a great day and year!

Love,

"Button"

Uncle Tommy's Birthday

Tommy,

Just in case I don't get a chance to talk to you this evening, I did want to wish you the happiest brithday ever. Hard to believe that you are 45 years old, but the years have been kind. We sure did have a great time seeing you and your family. We are also really grateful for the example that you and your kids have been for me and my kids. We are so proud of Gary and how he is serving his mission. He is a direct reflection of you and Jill and a wonderful young man. Hope you have a wonderful day.

A Few Pics from the Reunion

Of course, the location was picturesque.
And Dave and Shirl did a great job of planning it all out.

Sunday, just before we left for church.
Josh tried to throw his siblings over the cliff at Cedar Breaks (jk).
We were all glad that Daniel and Jessica were able to join us.
We went on a hike and Brad had to show off his climbing skills.
Here's Josh just after he found out we fed beans to Chris for dinner (jk).
Brad enjoying a rousing game of Catchphrase. Awesome!
Andrew and Lindsay enjoying the cabin.

It was very fun. Thanks Dave and Shirley. Thanks to everyone.

David's Ankle

Well, I did forget to tell you all about David's ankle. We took him to the doctor on Tuesday and they took an X-ray and did not see a break. At worst there is a small hairline fracture in there. He is walking with a soft walking cast/shoe and will see the doctor in a week for another evaluation. Based on how well he is doing in the walking boot, I don't think that he is going to have to have a cast and that he will be having any long lasting effects from the sprain. Now Brad doing football, that could be another story.....figures he would be put in as one of the running backs on the team. They are doing the passing league this week, so he is working hard to get moved up the depth chart. Right now, he believes that is #2 on the depth chart but the coach has commented that he is learning and improving really fast. His mom is already worried and he hasn't even taken a hit yet.

Final Reunion Comment

There is no doubt that we did miss the CA Nilsens. It would have made it just that much more fun. I just want to thank everyone for the great time. We certainly thought that it was a success. Especially thanks to Tommy and Jill for bringing Daniel and Jessica. I think they have a more accurate picture of their Nilsen side of the family. That could be a good thing or not depending, but at least it is accurate. I really think that they, like everyone else, had a really good time. That made it that much more special for me and Shirl. I really liked the low key, less structured activities this time. Most everything was spontaneous and therefore exactly what we wanted to be doing at that time. It was great. We are already looking forward to next summer in Oakley. I am hoping to do the Goose Creek Run this time.

hope it was fun...

i hope that you all enjoyed the reunion. We sure were sad that we couldnt be there. I hope that we will be able to make it next time!! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!! love the California Nilsen's

Let it Snow!!

Hey gang,

I'm hoping Josh will be able to guide his parents to the cabin, because they not responded as directed. From Tom and Jill there is no hope. Seriously, I got a call from Jeff Davis today, and Brian Head has 4" of snow last night. You may want to bring something warm with you. It looks like it may be somewhat chilly. Only 2 days until the reunion and SRN is already up there getting everything ready.

Directions to the Cabin for Reunion

OK, for all of you who have forgotten how to get to the Davis Cabin in Brian Head, we have gotten directions. We are going to try and attach the map tonight when we get home and can scan it into the computer, but it that fails, I am going to get you written instructions on how to get there right now. Confirmation that you have this is appreciated (since most of you have just ignored my other posts).

Take I-15 to Parawon
Take the road up to Brian Head (follow the signs)
Turn Right on Hunter Ridge (if you get to the ski lodge, you have gone too far, the road is marked, but if it is at night a flashlight (on your list) will be helpful)
Turn Left on Trails of Navajo
Turn Right on Willow Court
522 Willow Court

Jeff and Joni also have 3 mountain bikes that we can ride up there. SRN and I are also going to bring up our 2 bikes so we will have 5 total bikes for use for the weekend. We are also looking at trails for easy rides around the area. Jeff also mentioned that the fishing is excellent at both Navajo and Panguitch lakes. So......if you are so inclined. All fish will be kept outside and at the catchers own risk. The countdown is now underway. Only 3 days until reunion.....kinda like Christmas with the family!!!!

Reunion Schedule

Hey everyone,

It is Monday morning and I am posting the schedule of events along with all necessary comments so that you are properly prepared for the coming events. This is not set in stone and can be changed without notification to any of the participants and they will just have to deal with all the changes. I have been subject to this type of schedule for nearly 21 years....

Friday Night

6 pm-9 pm Be there. Pizza Night!! We have individual pan pizzas from Costco and they are really good, no really I mean it is not pizza hut or dominos or what ever pizzaria you frequent (do they have one in Oakley?), but they do OK for the frozen kind really. We figured that everyone will eat on the way up (or down) and so we are really looking at a snack kinda thing especially since.....
This is movie night!!! The feature film has been selected by David E. Nilsen (so naturally there is no military action and it has very little in the way of blood and gore, none actually since cartoon just don't do that). It is a great film and we are sure that everyone will like it. If not, Uncle Dave will take you out to the Barnyard, oh wait, I mean the wood shed.....well you get the idea.
The rest of the evening will be spent bonding and playing games and such.

*Reminder* Please have everyone sign up for at least 4 reunion job opportunities!!!

Saturday

Morning walk/run. This is SRN's deal. I am not good in the AM. I think spending quality time with my pillow is a much better way to spend the early morning, but for you gung-ho joggers (is there something seriously wrong with these people???), have at it. Remember, there are hikes later in the day to get in that cardio work that I know everyone is wanting to have.
9 am-Breakfast.
10:30-we are headed to the great outdoors for a commune with nature in all its glory. We will have a hike that everyone can participate in and fun with some games and things to play with.
noonish (is that a word)-Lunch
After lunch the games and fun continues. We are trying to make sure that you have enough time to play everything and anything that your heart desires.
5 pmish (wow, this ish thing is really cool, we are not tied to any specific time)-B-B-Q!!!!! This is my personal favorite part of the reunion. It allows for the carnivore in us all to be totally satisfied. For all you leaf eaters, there will be salad, but that is a secondary sideshow to the main event.....the meat. Gr-r-r-r-r-r-r!!
At dusk-Night hike with SRN. Bring your flashlights and see what we can see in the dark. Does this scare anyone else?? I mean to tramp around in the woods, in the dark, with a flashlight that has 3 year old batteries in it, and having no idea what direction you are travelling. We will be alerting the forest rangers to come and find the lost hikers in advance, because I'm pretty sure that Uncle Tom would get lost in his backyard at night without a map.
After everyone has been located and returned safely to the cabin, we can spend what remains of the evening watching past home videos and continuing the bonding. This is a bonding reunion after all...

Sunday

8 am- Breakfast
9:40- Leave for Church. Church starts at 10 am. Are they nuts, I have gotten very use to the 1 pm schedule which allows me proper rest and recuperation. I mean come on, we are going on a night hike for heaven sake.
noonish (still not sure if this is a word, but I'm liking it...) Sunday Dinner!!! Now I know that many of you have broken with tradition, but this is an absolute in my universe. Life is not right unless I am able to have Sunday dinner. It is a fixed point, the bullseye, the dead center, something not to be tampered with, altered, or modified.
Afternoon-FHE. If you don't know what that stands for, then shame on you and repent!! Since I know that you all know what that means, nothing else needs to be said. Remember your assignments....
7ish (I'm really liking this ish thing)-Supper. Remember this??? Well of course there has to be something since we are eating earlier than I like to get up on Sundays. This will consist of an old family favorite that everyone should love. Grilled Cheese!!! Man are you guys lucky. For those who wish to modify tradition, we will have some ham to add to the cheese. Let the bonding continue as we watch fims of the past reunions and family parties. We also have games for those who think they have the knowledge to compete in Scene-it or other games of fun and embarrassment. Yes there are some that will embarrass....

Monday

Morningish (wow, that is a great little suffix)-Breakfast
Clean up. This is the saddest part of the reunion. We hope that you will have had a great time as we fix all the broken furniture and try and get all the stains out of the carpet..oh, wait, are the kids past the sippy cup stage? Maybe for reunion we can have them all go back to that it avoid all the stains.....as for the broken furniture, well Uncle John and Uncle Tom will just have to take it down a notch (am I hip or what???).
Late morningish (I just had to get one more in there)-the sad farewell. Hugs and Kisses (that was from SRN) and a few teary eyes as we drive off into the sun....sun....sunshine (saved it) with fond memories and a few more photos and videos to embarrass the kids in the coming years. We are really looking forward to next reunion (we don't have to plan it, yeah).

JOSH!!!

Happy Birthday! I would have posted on your birthday (I mean of course!) but I was in the Bahamas. I hope your birthday was fabulous. I hope you ate plenty of peanut butter M&M's and remembered good old birthdays. You are amazing and I hope that your birthday was great. I miss you and love you tons!

More Reunion

Nothing like waiting till the last minute to get all this information to you. I will post the schedule tomorrow and the directions to the cabin. From the sounds of things, you guys are not going to get there until after 8 pm, so we are not planning a full blown dinner. We will have individual pizzas that we can warm up to you when you get there. Also one more thing for your list of stuff to bring......

1. A flashlight

Talk to everyone tomorrow. Still no comments on my previous posts. I feel so neglected.

Uncle Dave

Additional reunion list

Well the boss (SRN) got home and I did pretty good, but there was a couple of other things to add to our list of stuff to bring.

1. Pillows. I'm thinking they have some, but you may want your own that is already formed to the contours of you head however big or small. No comments please.

2. Your blankey. Now I am not talking about blankets for the beds or anything, I am talking about that little piece of thread bear material that has a depiction of Thomas, bears, my little pony, or any other various and sundry patterns that is barely visible on the material that you religiously haul around so that you can sleep at night. This was not really necessary for me since I just snuggle with my sweetie until she has had enough, but that is a story for another time.

I think that covers it for the moment. By the way, I have had no comments on my previous reunion posts and am starting to get a little hurt. Could you all just aknowledge that you got them? This way I know that the information is out there and you are getting it. See ya soon.

Uncle Dave

Reunion List

OK,

I am trying to be helpful to get all these last minute details done for the reunion. First of all, we have been told of a hike that will be fun for everyone. Joni was the one that gave it to SRN, and it looks really good. We have the following list of things that we would like to have you bring.

1. Sunday Clothes-for Church on Sunday
2. Comfortable clothes for the weekend, something warm for the nights as it will still get chilly in the evenings. Good shoes to walk in (for the hike).
3. Sheets for the beds-parents
4. Sleeping bags for the kids
5. Any games that you thing would be fun in the group setting
6. Any videos of the old reunions and parties that we have had as a family.
7. Snacks that you would like to have. We are bringing most (nearly all) the food, but if you have any snacks that you specifically enjoy, we would love to have them.

Also, for FHE on Sunday, we would appreciate getting a report on Elder Gary Nilsen. We are thinking that we are looking at a missionary theme for the program and would also like to have each return missionary tell us one or two stories of inspiration that they had on their mission. As we visit, I am sure all the funny ones will come out anyway. So for all return missionaries, you have been worn. I am sure that I will post at least one more email on the blog to finish up any last minute details about what we are doing and if there is something that I forgot to put on the list. Shirley did not have a chance to proof my work before posting.

We are looking for a very relaxing weekend. It will not be highly structured and we will be able to do whatever we want without a schedule. I believe that SRN has a tentative schedule and I will post that as well. Just know that on Saturday we have the hike, on Sunday is church and FHE. We are not letting our kids bring game systems so the weekend will be a nintendo free weekend for us. We do have some great games that we are looking forward to playing including the Disney and Harry Potter versions of Scene-It. I think that is all for now. We sure love you guys and are looking forward to this time together. See you in a week.

Uncle Dave

Reunion

Hey everyone!!!

I am just writing to tell everyone that we are very excited about the coming of the reunion. We are still sad that the CA Nilsens will not be there, and of course we will miss them and Gary, but we are excited to see everyone else. This is going to be a much more laid back reunion. There will be games, food, nature, and memories. Shirley has been very busy transferring old reunions to disk so that we can see them. It is so cool to see the family 15 years ago. We are really excited about this time to be together in Brian Head. Hope you are as well. SRN (Shirley Raye Nilsen) will be sending final instructions and lists for everyone in the near future. Direct all questions to her, she knows everything. Thats why I love her so!!!! We are also excited that Daniel and Jessica are coming down to join us. I know it is going to be great. I sure love all you guys.....

YAY!

Today is my birthday, so write lots of sweet, witty comments so that I feel loved.
Shua

Sorry about that post below, I don't know why it didn't work.

YAY!

Intramural Flag Football At MMS

so today was the big day for the inaugural season of intramural flag football. for today was the semi-final games and the championship game. our team had had an okay season going 3-3 but we were on fire and we were set to win. so in our semi game we had to play the 3rd place team because we were second and we had beaten them once and lost to them once in the regular season. so we started out on defense and we made a stop. we got the ball and within seconds we had scored. touchdown stoehr's power mowers (that's the name of my team)!!!! i got the td, and we were up. we got our extra point and got back on defense. well to summarize this game, we ended up clombering them 34-14 me with all the td's. 5 of them!!! in the championship we were playing the undefeated team. they had not lost all season and had clobered the team they played in the semi's so they were officially 7-0. so we come into the game pumped up. we had been on fire and they had barely squeaked out wins in their last couple of games besides the semi's. we got the ball first and on the opening drive our qb dumped off a little underneath pass to me and i pull a reggie bush and get about a 60 yd. td!!!! we didn't get our extra point so we were up 6-0. the last time we had played this team we had no pass rusher so this time we had our fastest guy rush in on every play. the other team's qb just crumbled!!! we got 3 int's in the whole game and we sacked him about 7 times. so we stopped them on their first drive. we got the ball back and we did the same thing we did last time. except this time the underneath pass was to a different guy on our team and he ran straight up the side line with no one pulling his flag. we missed our extra point once again, so the score was 12-0. nothing happened for the next couple of drives until the other team got the ball on their 5 yard line. on the first play of the drive we sack the qb in the endzone for a safety!!!! 14-0 power mowers!!!! nothing happened the rest of the half, so the second half began. the other team got an early score and converted on their 2 point conversion. the score was 14-8, and it was coming down to the wire. all we needed was one more score to put the nail in the coffin. we got the ball within the 10 yd line about to score about 3 or 4 times but then our qb would throw an int. finally, we throw a td to me and we stop them on defense one more time and we are the MMS Mustang Bowl Champs!!!!! my coach named me the mvp and the teacher running the program said that he would be giving me something next week!!! i'm so excited!!! just thought i might tell the fam!!! love ya!!!!

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me, Thomas

umm, here are a few things that everyone probably didn't know about me (i'm gonna end up taking some from other peoples, but it's true for me to).



1. just like Josh, i think i seriously have OCD. like at school all my books and supplies that are on my desk have to be straight and neat and be parralell to the sides of my desk. also, when you get like an answer sheet back from a test and my teacher tells the class to do over the ones that we missed. well, it's kind of hard for me to do because i just can't have the right answer being there with the number checked, it just bugs me.

2. i kind of sometimes obsess over xbox to sometimes, i'm going to stop though, i need to.

3. my favorite number ever is #11. i wear it for all the sports i do. baseball, basketball, and hopefully in the future, football. it's my favorite because heidi tried out for basketball as a freshman to try and make the team. she made it and was very happy and she got #11. so now everyone in our family where's number 11 because it makes us think of heidi and how we should always try our best, just like she did in basketball.

4. my nickname at school is thomas "the real deal" nilsen. i got this nickname from a teacher at our school that is running the intramural football program at our school. he gets on the announcements and does a weekly report on the games and he calls me "public enemy #1: thomas "the real deal" nilsen. oh yeah!!!

5. and one last one: i'm also like brad that i've never really actually studied for a test. the most i've ever done is like look at the thing i'm supposed to be studied 2 minutes before a test. don't ask me how, but i've never gotten anything but a 4.0 on a report card. if i get a 4.0 on this coming report card then i will have had a 4.0 throughout all of middle school.



i hoped you enjoyed reading these interesting facts about my life and learned something new. love ya all!!!

5 things about bradley dale

1. I am a little obsessive over my xbox sometimes... sad yes i know....

2. My dream car is a lexus.. MUhahhahaha it is nice enough to be luxery but roomie enough for a family of 5. Perfect!

3. this year i am going to play football... soccer has been fun but nothing beats sprinting straight at a 300 pound lineman, standing still, lowering your shoulder (at full speed) run in to him like you life depended on it and feel like you just hit a brick wall and the lineman says "stupid gnats"

4. i have never studied for a test. i mean i have done reviews and what not (for extra credit hehe) but i have never really flat out studyied. i some how seem to mainatain a 3.5 or higher..

5. I actually looked forward to gettingt braces.. I dont know why some how i thought people looked cool when they had them on..

And i tagg everone who has not been already tagged(to lazy to look) lol

Give Me Some Love

Hey guys,
Considering the sports experts that read this blog, I have a little situation on my hands.

I'm playing for a coach who I don't exactly love (strongly dislike, hate, take your pick). At the end of last season, I went to guest play for her (at that time I was on the C team and she was coach of the B team) and at the end of the game, she hadn't played me for 1 minute. When this season started, she was my only option. If I wanted to play, I had to play for her. So I did, and so far the same thing has been happening, she has given me hardly any playing time. And to top it off she hasn't been playing me in my natural position (which is midfield) instead she's been playing me at forward.

In our game last monday, she put me in the game (at forward of course) about midway through the first half. I got the ball and played a perfect ball to one of our best players which set him up for a one-on-one with the goalie. He shanked it, but still, good marks for me right? Wrong, she pulled me out a couple minutes later. I only got about 6-7 minutes in the first half. She didn't put me back in until there were about 15 minutes left and we were up by 3 goals. Which was a huge insult because it showed that she has no confidence in me whatsoever. So I go in and play my guts out. Of course she was playing me at forward, and after I had been in a couple minutes I SCORED! Despite the joy of scoring, this (in a way) made me even more frustrated with my coach. I GOT IN TWICE AND MADE GREAT PLAYS BOTH TIMES!

So I decided I would talk to her. After practice on Wednesday, I went up to her and asked her if there was anything I could do or change that might get me a little more playing time, her response was, "No, I mean you've been playing well and I appreciate that but I have to be loyal to my players first." WHAT!? To YOUR players, I AM YOUR PLAYER. And to top that off, she got 2 other new players this season who have been starting! So as I have thought about it, what she really told me was that how I was playing had nothing to do with how much playing time I got.

So why am I telling you this? I don't know, I guess I just need some love. What should I do? I don't have motivation to play now. And I don't want to quit, because that is exactly what she wants, and I won't give it to her. So if you have any secret motivation tactics or evil schemes I can use against her (besides egging and doorbell ditching, I've already done those-:) please tell me.

Shua

5 Things about Uncle Dave

1. Not that this is unknown, but we still eat the very same thing for dinner every Sunday. It has gotten to the point where my boys will now rate the gravy. They are very spoiled, but I love that I have passed that tradition on to them. Sunday is just not the same with out Sunday Dinner.

2. Speaking of traditions, I really love the holiday traditions that we have. What you may not know is that we started a tradition of doing the 12 days of Christmas to a family of a couple in our ward every year. We have been doing it for about 8 years.

3. Now for the embarrassing things. All of you know how I feel about BYU and the football team. I even asked the Stake Patriarch if I should try and walk on to the team when I was a freshman. I even went so far as to go to the football office and get information about when the tryouts were going to take place.

4. I once fainted in a surgical suite when I was watching my dad do surgery. It was not the first time I had gone into the operating room, on this occasion I was watching them work on a boy who had been hit in the eye, and they were fiddling around with the eye and the socket and I went over like rock.

5. I have a list of things that I want to do in my life. There are lots of things on the list that I will not go into, but I will tell you that when I was able to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, I was able to cross one of the things off. Some things will not be done, but others I am still working on.

Well, that is the list. If I had more time, I could probably find other things to add, but for now, lets tag Aunt Keri, Elizabeth, and Andrew.

5 Things About Aunt Jill

1. As long as we're talking about fetishes, I simply cannot eat cold cereal with milk. I eat the cereal all gone - and then I have a glass of milk. Odd, huh?
2. My next favorite name for a daughter (next to Lindsay) is Polly - the name of my great-grandmother.
3. I, too, carry on conversations with myself. I am just now trying to break the habit of saying, "Whatever," while chastising myself.
4. I absolutely LOVE seeing the Oakley school bus traveling to games and competitions with red, black, and white uniforms hanging in the windows. I'm proud of my kids and their accomplishments and it also takes me back to my own days at OHS.
5. When I was growing up, I thought it would be so cool to live in the Church. It was always so clean and spacious and full of people I loved.

Thanks, Josh, for helping me take a moment to unwind. Love, Jill

5 fabulous things you may not know about linds!..

Linds's fantastic qualities my awesome family may not know...
Number 1!

I HATE FEET!! I can not stand feet! That is my worst fear in the world! I am terrified of them! I cant even touch my own feet.. in the shower I have a little blue scrub-brush that I use to wash my feet..! pathetic..yes I know!

Number 2!

I love DUKE!! I am sorry to say this but I would choose Duke over BYU!..over any school as a matter of fact.. I am sorry..that is a sin i know..but the truth! Dont get me wrong I love the Cougars too! I was born at Duke (basically).. I have Duke blood running in me..it's just natural!

Number 3!

I have a very bad problem with "knocking on wood"..when ever anybody says "knock on wood" that is a must.. I have to do it.. and it can only be twice..not once not three times but twice!

Number 4!

I have the coolest friends anyone could ever ask for..Kailey and Kelsi!! the greatest ever!! We drive to B-town.. a town a half-hour away to get Little Caeser Crazy-bread!

Number 5!

I have an obsession with CARE BEARS!! I have a care-bear pillow case, care-bear blanket, care-bear bubbles, care-bear pictures framed, care-bear pj's, care-bear stickers that are everywhere, care-bear pencils, many stuffed care-bears, and random little plastic care-bears..obsession?..I think not!

There are just a few of the fun little facts about the fabulous Lindsay Nilsen!! I love you all! and I tag Uncle Dave..and Brad..!! Loves and Hugs for life!!

5 Things about Heidi...

So I just copied these from my blog (Tiffany had already tagged me) and they are still true. But on my blog I also listed 100 things about me if you have a moment that you have nothing else to do you should go check 'em out...http://www.heidihoheidiho.blogspot.com
Here are 5 things you probably didn't even want to know about your fabulous cousin, neice, or sister...
Number 1. I would love to have been in high school during the happenin' 90's. I could have dressed like Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell) and Topanga Lawrence (Boy Meets World) on a daily basis.
Number 2. I have a fetish with cleaning my ears and clipping my toenails. I clean my ears at least twice a day and clip my toenails twice a week. I think q-tips are one of the greatest inventions. Who would have thought that cotton on a stick would be so important to my daily living?
Number 3. I would take hot pink gerbera daisies over red roses any day of the week! They make me so happy. I can not look at them and be sad, they just make me happy.
Number 4. Everyday for my last two years of high school, I would come home open the garage and right before I walked in I would spit my orange Trident gum into our plants. Then my dad found out.
Number 5. When I was little, I used to think that it would be so cool to have zits all over my face. I guess I thought that they would be the outward appearance that I have reached puberties peak. Now I hate when I have one stinkin' zit on my face. They are gross, disgusting and yucky and I feel blessed that I have never had a huge problem with acne.

5 Things You Didn't Know About Joshua John Crowley

I recently got tagged by my dad to share 5 things you didn't know about me. So here they are:

1. My favorite car is a Corvette. Sleek...Fast...hmm...Sleek...Fast, oh wait did I mention sleek and fast?

2. I literally have conversations with myself, sometimes I catch myself speaking out loud. I have even found myself bearing my testimony to nobody. It's really kinda weird

3. I think I'm OCD. I don't know how serious, but for example:
I absolutely, positively, without question, CANNOT step on a sidewalk crack.
I MUST, again no questions asked, step in each sidewalk square an even number of times, 2 if possible.
This one probably won't make sense to anyone, but when I'm in the car, and we are passing past 2 telephone poles, trees, signs, or anything of the sort, I quickly flex my left hamstring and then my right, (always left then right).

4. I don't try to find a lot of hobbies. I am passionate about what I like and I don't generally try to find more hobbies. My passions are really soccer, waterskiing, and percussion, and that is about it. (Obviously these are the doing hobbies not the church, family etc. type hobbies.)

5. You know that YES, or I CAN DO IT, feeling that you get after an awsome devotional or fireside? Whenever I get that feeling it makes me want to (along with live the principles I learned) exercise. I distinctly remember walking out of the new Joseph Smith movie and wanting to set up an exercise schedule.

Now I am going to tag Lindsay, Heidi, and Aunt Jill to share 5 things with us.
P.S. Plese excus the many typo sthat are prbably in tis.

the great state of Idaho

so i am home...back in the sunshine state of CALIFORNIA...as i sat in my room earlier today, my eyes filled up with tears. I MISS IDAHO!!!! I have recently grown to love it...during my last week there I learned many new things. I saw the stars and even a shooting star, i saw the big dipper and Venus (for the first time), i went hiking at night, sat on the dock with my feet dangling in the ice water, i listened to the fish splashing and nature calling, i went fishing, and i got lost somewhere outside of rigby and got to tour all over Idaho.... What a great state...i know that i made fun of it for so long, but i feel like that is my home away from home...yes i am overjoyed to be able to go to the beach and to get some color on my arms and legs but i cannot wait until September 12th to start school again at the great school of BYU-IDAHO in the great state of Idaho...i guess i learned my lesson that sometimes first impressions aren't accurate. I am so glad i got to know Idaho and have become friends with it....

More on the reunion

Shirley with Brad and Chris, at great personal sacrifice to me, have gone to make an exploritory trip up to Cedar City and Brianhead to see what we can do about the reunion. We are starting to get more concrete plans in place and SRN (Shirley Raye Nilsen) will be posting them in the next few days. We are specifically looking at the bike trip. It looks like a blast can be had by everyone. It will be almost all downhill and we will see some very beautiful country. We are just making sure that the cost is reasonable.

We are also looking at the food, and games that we want to play and other short hikes to keep everyone busy. I am thinking that this time should be a really good trip for everyone. We will be coming out with more details very soon.

Gone Fishin'

I AM SO IDAHO!!!! I TOTALLY WENT FISHING!!! Ryan Hall (a great guyand good friend from my ward) called me to say that he and hisroommate were going fishin so they would be over to get me...we droveout to the country and hiked through a back yard to get to a river. itwas FREEZING cold (what else do you expect from the frozen tundra?)but i didnt even complain too bad haha!!! We climbed down a fewboulders and then started fishin'. Ryan did it a few times and thentaught me how to do it...i tried it and i was so natural (ryan eventold me so...i dont make this stuff up) and so we threw it in for alittle while. Ryan and i decided to go find a better place to fish sowe hiked through a dry river bed (its like i was walking onwater...kinda) and we went out on what i would best descirbe as a flatjeddy...im not sure what the idaho term for it is but thats kinda whatit was like....the wind was blowing and it was so cold but we decidedto try for a little longer. As ryan was hooking the pole to whateverit is you hook it too, he said he didnt think we would catch anythingbut we would try for a little bit longer. Right then he cast his line(to use correct idaho terms) and then he pulled me in and told me tofeel the pole....it was really tight and wiggling and then he gave itto me and let me reel it in. WE HAD CAUGHT A REAL LIFE FISH!!!! it wasso exciting!!! He told me to keep the line tight and put the pollclose to the water and then "reel it in quickly" i totally did it(with his help of course) and then he unhooked the little fish itwhile i hurried and grabbed my camera (so my mothers daughter) and itook his picture and then he helped me grab the fish tight and not letit go...it was cold and slimy but I HELD THE FISH!!!!! he took mypicture (getting fish goo yucky slime on my camera...oh well) and he helped me put the little fishy back into the water. I had to lay him down underwater and then make sure he wiggled off to freedom again. Itwas so fun and I really enjoyed it...i am making the most of Idaho and I am loving the new tricks I am learning!!!

It's Almost Time

Things are hopping in the Crowley home. The countdown is on until we load up in the van and head to sunny SoCal to visit Mickey and his friends.

Thanks to those who contributed ideas for making the most of our trip. We're planning to eat churros and chocolate covered bananas. We're planning to take back packs with snacks, water, and games to play in line. We're planning to sedate the children so that they sleep for 12 hours on the drive :-)

Have a nice Friday!

You know you are in Idaho when...

this is a list that my roommate and I have collected over the past few weeks from seeing different people around Rexburg. We titled it "You know you are in Idaho when..."

Idaho from the eyes of Heather and Sara 2007

YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN IDAHO WHEN….

*everyone talks about going huntin’
* guys talks about “drivin’ spud truck”
* Redneck jokes are the norm…
* Boys wear Carhart Coveralls to class* your anatomy teacher wears a shotgun shell holder to class and puts dry erase markers in it
*two year old children only know how to say “gun”*Sonic is the cool place to go and eat or get a limeade slush*wal-mart sells overalls (overalls went out in the 90’s) *the temperature hits -35 and everyone still goes on with the day like nothing happened*you go shooting cereal boxes and water jugs on the weekend*its nothing new to see a mullet *your nostrils freeze when you walk outside
*nobody shops at Albertsons Grocery Store because it’s too expensive
*the bottoms of all your jeans are stained with “red rock” from the roads
*people think it is okay to wear Wrangler’s out in public
*you have to have portable heaters and electric blankets to survive at all
*your toes feel like they are going to fall off and be purple when you walk outside no matter what shoes you have on
*you have to wear tennis shoes to walk to church and then change into church shoes when you get there because it’s to slick to walk in heels
*you go through lotion like there is no tomorrow *Idaho Falls in the “big city” and Salt Lake City is just HUGE
*it’s not a truck…it’s a pick up and HEAVEN FORBID you call it a car
*you walk around with a toothpick in your teeth, sucking on it all day
*you can tell you are in Idaho because as soon as you cross the border your tan fades and you look like a ghost
*your hot chocolate freezes outside INSIDE the travel mug!!! (January 27, 2007)
*free beef is offered for purchasing car tires
*”E-Brake” u-turns
*you wear flip flops in 35+ degrees
*you can see for miles and miles with nothing in sight
*you can paint your house pink or green or blue or have fake farm animals decorating your front fence because there is no such thing as a homeowners association
*you go tanning outside and lay out when it reaches 50 degrees
*you wear chaps and a cowboy hat snowboarding

SURPRISE

so i was out today enjoying and soaking up the 60 degree and my roommates started rambling and saying she needed to go home...i was so confused but didn't think twice. As we pulled up to the house she told me to go get the stuff she needed. I thought "are you lazy? go get your own crap!" but then such i am such an AWESOME roommate so i started walking up the stairs and i see a cute boy on my balcony holding a flower...confused i realized it was NATHAN RICHARD LEON CROWLEY!!!! The Crowley's were in my living room!! What a pleasant surprise...i was so happy to see familiar faces!! we sat in my disgustingly dirty living room (Sorry about that) and chatted for a little while and then they loaded up and left. I was so happy and i watched then drive away thinking what an awesome family i have...so thanks Crowley's for making me so happy today...i love you!!

FIGHT ON!!!

FIGHT ON, (DA DA DA DA) FOR OL' SC!!!! OUR MEN FIGHT ON, TO VICTORY!!! (DA DA DA DA) OUR ALMA MATER DEAR, LOOKS UP TO YOU FIGHT ON AND WIN!!!! (DA DA DA DA) FOR OL' SC, FIGHT ON TO VICTORY, FIGHT ON!!!!!!!! (BADADADADUHDUHDUHDUH) FIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO SC!!!

LET'S GO USC!!!! BEAT THOSE STINKIN' TARHEELS!!!! I HATE UNC!!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TROJANS!!!!!!

Family Reunion

Hello everyone,

I know that it will be a couple of days before everyone can read this, but I do my posting at work in the early morning, so today is the day to get it done. The family reunion is still on. We are still planning to have it over the Memorial Day weekend. Shirley talked to Joni Noorda Davis again just a couple of days ago and they are still planning to have us there that weekend, so we are off to the mountains to see what we can see and do what we can do.

We know that the California Nilsens are not going to be able to attend this year, and it makes us sad. We wish that we could accomodate everyones schedules, but that is becoming increasingly difficult as our family gets older. There are just so many activities. We are hoping that this central location will make the traveling easier on everyone so that no one has to go an especially long distance.

We are planning to have a mountain bike experience and a hike or two around the area. Joni said that the snow will be long gone and that it should be beautiful up in the mountains by the time we get up there. We also want to encourage you to bring your favorite games for the evenings and for Sunday afternoon. We will have more details later, but we did want to let you know that it is in the works. We are excited to see everyone.

Just can't wait

So the first week of April (spring break), my family and I are going to Disneyland. It is going to be the first time I stay in a hotel and the second time I go to Disneyland (first time for Matt). And the first day Emma (my favorite cousin no offence or anything), Thomas (nice guy), and Aunt Keri (wicked awesome), are coming with us. Emma I can't wait to come to your house. Call me Emma (make sure Emma sees this please).

Check It Out!!

So I got my own blog. I have a lot to say and didn't think that you all wanted to read all about my crazy thoughts all of the time. So if you want to take a glance at it...feel free. The website is http://www.heidihoheidiho.blogspot.com

oh rexburg...

i woke up this morning and got out of bed at about, hmmm lets see, 12:00pm (college life at its finest) and as i looked outside i saw something i haven't seen in a LONG time...my best friend in the whole world, MR. SUN!!! As i got ready for the day, i went outside and noticed that i could FEEL him beating down on my skin (one of my top 3 "natural highs" in life) so i knew it would be a good day for footless tights and a short dress!! As i walked to the mailbox i noticed many of my fellow coho residents out on the grass in their swimsuits sun tanning. I ran inside to check the weather to see what the current temperature is. I knew we had to be in the 80's or so.... but according to weatherchannel.com Rexburg, ID is currently 65 degrees with wind at 11mph. Oh how well my body has acclimatized!! My memory raced back to the good 'ole days in CALIFORNIA (almost there again :) ) and i remembered freezing my behind off and putting on a hoodie and then a jacket as soon as we got below 75....oh how confused and ignorant i was. I guess surviving (barely) -30 degrees I have learned to appreciate 65 degrees and the sun!! So just remember, next time its 65 and sunny, DONT COMPLAIN!!! Thank Heavenly Father for the sun and for its warmth!!

BLESSING.....

I HAVE A CAR FOR JUST OVER TWO WEEKS. THIS MEANS FREEDOM AND HAPPINESS. I don't really base my happiness on things such as cars but having this car brings happy things to me like spring Thanksgiving, trips to stores, a way to get to the airport to pick up my best friend in the whole wide world, a way to get to conference, and a way to enjoy the Utah drivers....its a darn good thing I have California plates on this car!!

NCAA Tourney

I have not heard much from anyone on the NCAA tourney that will be starting tomorrow. It is a bit of a surprise since we got 3 teams in this year in BYU (of course), Duke, and USC. With SC getting the highest seed at a 5, they are suppose to go the furthest. Still, I like BYU's matchup with Xavier. The location stinks as it is only 80 miles to Xavier's campus (can the NCAA be more transparent?) but I think the matchup is a good one for us. I have only seen USC and Duke a couple of times, but I think they can make some noise as well. I am just not sure how far anyone can go. A Sweet 16 appearance would be cool.

Cookie dough and tears will get me through

So as I sit and write this I am indulging in cookie dough and I have finally gone 7 hours without crying. My crazy roommate from summer term just moved back in. You may remember hearing about her...the underwear theif...ring a bell? Yes she is back! I got an email a couple of days ago telling me that she was moving back in and she would like a spot in the kitchen for her stuff and would like us to clean her room and make the apartment all clean. Do you think I did any of that for her! HECK NO! Who do I look like? Not her personal maid! This morning when she moved in I locked myself in my room to study and didn't come out until she had left. Our paths didn't cross for a couple of hours then I started feeling Christlike so I went and said hi to her. It is so awkward. I quite frankly don't want to have to deal with this again. It is really frustrating because NO ONE knows just how bad all of the crap I put up with was. Hmmm....I wonder what I am going to learn from this? Maybe I'll set a world record for tubes of cookie dough inhaled in one day? Cookie dough...the one thing in my apartment that doesn't judge me for being so intolerant...thanks Nestle, I appreciate you being here for me during this hard time. Oh and Kleenex...thanks for being so ready for my nose when I need you...

Fear Factor

hey everyone. today i had a birthday party that i went to for a friend. the theme was fear factor. the first thing we had to do was as a team dive on the bottom of a freezing cold pool for $2.57 all in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. we could only go one at a time and we had do go off the slide. next we picked two members from each team and stood around a table. we spun this thing that had 8 different nasty dishes on it and lucky me i ended up eating a cracker with some weird fruit on it. my teamate had to eat a cracker with a raw sardine on it. some other dishes were a girl scout thin mint, caviar, sushi, and goat cheese. after that four of the members on our team go to shoot 2 free throws. on the first one for everyone we missed we added a cricket to our strawberry shake. on the next one aeveryone we missed we had to have a worm to our shake. we ended up having to have 3 of both in ours. it tasted just like a normal strawberry shake. after that we were going to do an event where one of your teamates was tied in hand and foot and had a dog shocker collar around their leg getting shocked the whole time while the other teamates had to: dig through a big box of manuer trying to find a small key that would open a tool box full of more manuer that had three small wood chips on them. then you had to take those three numbers and try to figure out the combination to a small lock that locked some wire cutters in a box. after you got that opened you cut the bonds and freed your teamate from being shocked more. we didn't get to do that event though because we were short on time. the final "real" event we had 1 minute to transfer small baby mice, worms, and fish. we could use our hands for the fish and mice but we had to use our mouth for the worms and we could only take one at a time. i started on fish and another teamate started on the worms. halfway through we realized that the fish were only 2 points so i started helping with worms. we ended up taking 17 worms over. it was sooo nasty!! then that was the end......or so we thought. we all went inside and we were about to start eating dessert and opening presents when the parent and the uncle of the b-day boy come into the house. they announce the teams that got 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. my team was in first!!! but there was a twist. we the extra worms teamates could eat them for an additional 55 points. so i jumped up real quick and swallowed one whole with no gagging or hesitation. i didn't bite it at all. the team that was in last place had 4 teamates eat a worm putting them ahead of us. 3 of our teamates ate worms and a 4th was about to eat one for the win.....but then the b-day boy's mom started getting nervous and made us stop. so we ended up losing by a mere 3 points!!! the winning team got $20 gift cards to sports authority. i was so bummed, but that's okay. it was still fun, so i thought i just might share. love ya all!!!

Highlight of my week...

Picture this....I am with my mom and her phone rings. Then she hands it to me...I hear the same words over and over again..."Heidi come" "Heidi come". It was Matthew. I'm coming Matt...don't you worry!! I love you!

Brad and the ankle

Hey everyone,

Well I just got back from the orthopedic surgeons office with Brad. The good news is that he does not need to have surgery!! The doctor (a friend and client) told us that if we put his foot a certain way and then cast it up, that the bone and ligament will grow back to how it was suppose to be. It seems that Brad has very strong ligaments and that instead of tearing away from the bone, they took a part of the bone with it. So long as there is no surgery, his mom is thrilled as am I. He has a lovely blue cast on his foot, and should be off crutches in a couple of days. The cast will be on for 3 weeks, and then he has to wear a brace for 3 more. Dr. Hoer said that in 6-7 weeks that it should be healed with no permanent effects. Wow did we dodge a bullett.

On a happier note, Chris and I went up to Provo and saw the massacre. It was a beautiful thing to see them beat on the ewets so bad. We have not had a lot to sing about in hoops for a few years, but it looks like we are on our way back. Chris and I had a great time at the game and during a "guys only" weekend. Sometimes eating pizza and drinking root beer and then belching your best belch is a necessity. It was awesome.

Hope that all is well with everyone. We appreciate keeping up with everything. Tom, thanks for putting me on the email list for Gary. He sounds good.

A Note of Thanks and Tender Mercies

We just wanted to thank you all for your fasting and prayers in behalf of Matt this weekend. We truly felt of your love and strength all day.

A wise and loving Heavenly Father is watching over us and we know that Matt will be blessed. Just last night, we invited over some friends in our ward (who we felt needed some fellowshipping). Around the dinner table, we got talking about Matt only to find that their adult married daughter who was there with us is a Special Education specialist who has worked in Davis county. She knew all about the people and process involved in helping to place Matt in the right class. And the mom is also a elementary school teacher who shared insights as both an educator and a parent.

So in trying to serve others, we found ourselves more blessed. And the path for Matt (while not certain yet) grew a little clearer.

We love you all. Thanks again for your love and support.
John & Janet

Basketball Team

hey everyone. guess what? i made my school basketball team. it's pretty awesome. we're gonna be really good. last year i was on the B team and we got like 8th and the A team got third. so this year there's only one team and we're gonna at least get second place this year. woo hoo!!!

Wicked Awesome

Okay so a month and a half ago I was sitting in math class when the announcments came on and it was time for the Mayor's luncheon ( it is every month). The principal started naming off the names of the people starting from first grade and working his way up, I was just waiting because it happened every month. Then I looked over at the teacher and she nodded her head forward and mounthed "you are going", at first I just gave her a confused look and mouthed "me." She nodded yes and then the intercom said Elizabeth Crowley ( except they pronounced it wrong). So I stood up and went to the office where the principal and two police officers were waiting for me. They gave me a nametag and a pin so I hurried and put them on before we were out the door. Sister Welch (my friend's mom her sister was going too) was waiting outside to take our picture. She took our picture and then the principal said "lets go!!", so off we were and the first thing the police officer asked us was "how many times have you guys been in a police car" obviously we all answered "never", and he said "lets keep it that way." So when we were passing by the trees they had just cut down that were on school property, the police officer asked the principal, "so why did they cut down those trees" and I had been thinking the same question. The principal politely answered " they were diseased". So after we had almost gone in a whole circle they parked in the buildin that was right behind our school. Then we all unbuckled and the principal and the officer got out. Then us three kids in the back started to freak out because the doors wouldn't open. But we forgot we were in a police car and that it was a good thing they weren't opening. When we were going inside the pincipal told us that there was a drawing and whoever won it got a free protable DVD player. Then the officer said mor importantly there is free Papa John's pizza and dessert. So we went inside and this lady told us pick a table. So we chose the one on the end. I noticed a girl in my ward sitting at the other table. While we were waiting for all the other schools to come other firemen and police officers came over and talked to us and one was reading our name tags and he came to mine and said "Elizabeth Croowley (in other words he mispronounced my last name)", I answered and said "actually it is Crowley" the principal was more suprised then the fireman. Before we went to get our pop the principal reminded us to be plite and say thank you. So we went got our pop and then it was time for pizza we got called up first and got our pizza and sat down. Everyone else hurriedly started to eat but I just ate slow because I wasn't theat hungry because my regular lunch time wasn't for another twenty minutes. So after lunch and dessert we heard some stories. Then the principal of every school had to go up with one child at a time and say why the child had been chosen to come. When I had to go up there I just smiled and hurridley sat down. Then it was time for the drawing and we all had a ticket with a matching one in the bucket. Then he said okay I have the number it is 66077 (it was exactly the same so far) 3 it was mine. I quickly raised my hand and he said come up here and get your prize. So I did. Then we got to have a picture with all the officers and the mayor and your principal. And the sad thing is I didn't know the mayor was the mayor until I had my picture with him!!!!

February 28- The Day to Forget

Not to sound depressing or anything, but yesterday was the pits. It was a long day at the office where everyone wanted to yell at me for no particular reason. I was already spent before I got home. When I got home, Chris, who has been sick the last 3 days, was feeling better and wanted to play in his basketball game that night. It was only a rec game, so Shirley and I relented. When we got home his fever was back up to 100. It has since come back down, but he is missing another day of school. Meanwhile, Brad who had just gone back to school yesterday because of the same cold/flu was playing a pickup game at the park. He went up for a ball and came down on someone's foot and heard a pop. So, Shirley ends up at the emergency room last night until 11:30 to get an x-ray and have it looked at by a doctor. Yes, you guessed it, it is broken. It is now in an expandable cast and we have been instructed to go see our primary care physician so that we can go see an orthopedic surgeon for surgery. The only good thing about all this is that Shirley got tickets for Chris and I to go to the Utah/BYU game on Friday and we are coming up to the frozen tundra on Friday. Wow, what a day! I have many more like that, and I am liable to sell all, move into a cave and trap little furry animals to exist. Hope your days were all much better.

For all those who love Matthew Crowley

Janet and I have been spending a lot of time on our knees pondering how to help our Matthew. He is making progress with his speech, but it just takes so much effort for him to break through some of his barriers.

We are asking all who are willing and able to join us in a special fast on Sunday. Pray for Matt, pray that his tongue will be loosed, that he will be able to express his thoughts, his questions, and the feelings of his heart. We will conclude the fast by giving Matt a priesthood blessing.

Thank you all for loving Matt. He feels your love every time he is around you.
We love you all,
John & Janet

Thanks to all

I'm glad you are all willing to drag me along on this computer adventure. You're probably wondering why Keri posted Gary's pictures. I had no idea how to do it! Someday, I'll join the 21st century. Thanks, Keri. The digital camera saga continues with Gary. Hopefully, he'll have a new one next time he writes. I'm glad he has a companion who is willing to share his camera right now. Gary mentioned the "impatience and righteous anger" in a P.S. from our last letter. We simply said: "P.S. BUY A NEW CAMERA, DANG IT!" We want more pictures. We're not asking for too much. Anyway, Lindsay and Andrew will have to tutor me more in the blogging area. Thanks for listening. Love, Jill

happy happy day!!

happy happy day!! happy birthday mom!! i lava lava you! you are the greatest!! i love you and i am greatful for all you do for me..thanx for sticken by me with everything..! you are the light in my life! i love you! HAPPY DAY!! muah!! loves and hugs!!

Results from tryouts

Well I thought instead of leaving you all with sleepless nights over me, I would let you know how tryouts went. I played really well and I'm happy about my performance, but I didn't make first cuts. As for a little more constructive feedback, I happened to be put on the same team as a senior who is in my ward that has started for Viewmont since he was a freshman! This was great because he is (although over-confident [ I would try to spell caucky, but I would get it wrong]) anyway, he is really good and knows me and helped to set me up. Then we separated into sophmore-freshmen, and junior-senior teams and I ripped it up. I scored 4 goals and 1 assist. I think the biggest reason that I didn't make cuts was because I didn't go to conditioning which was Jan-Feb. I couldn't make these because of my band deal that I think you have all heard about. Anyway, write lots of supportive comments so I don't lose sleep tonight crying in my pillow. (As you may have had I not written this :-)
Shua

Oh and for Thomas: The reason that it stinks to tryout indoors was because it is hard because #1 players to play their best indoors, because soccer is and outdoor sport and #2 the coaches cannot make a fair judgement as to how the players would play outdoors.

FINALLY - Some Pictures from Paraguay!!

Trying out the blog

Hey guys, I would've written about my 3-point competition experience, but I see that my dad already filled you in. I'm trying out for the viewmont soccer team tomorrow. Due to the snow on the field, we have to tryout INDOORS, which totally stinks. Oh well, wish me luck!
Shua

To Brad, Andrew, and Josh

This message is for Brad, Andrew, and Josh. I just remembered something pretty funny: pumpkinapplefritter!!!! hahahaha!!!!

HURRICANE HOCKEY

So i had the opportunity of being the team manager for the BYU-IDAHO Hurricanes Ice Hockey team. I didn't know a thing about hockey but decided to embrace the challenge. I was the manager and my roommate Sara was the "water shaker" (a serious job up here in the frozen tundra because the water freezes inside the water bottles and then the players cant get a drink...tragic). The Hurricanes dominated all season long only losing 1 game in overtime. My favorite was the 5:30am games on the weekend...NOT!! Sometimes i was really scared to come home because i was afraid i would have toes floating around in my socks from the -30degrees it was some mornings!! We played in the championship game tonight (in the wind and heavy snowfall) and beat the team we lost to last week 7-2!! It was amazing...Here is a picture of the team after winning and the water shaker and manager are in there too!! I loved being the manager even though i didn't really do anything...i learned a lot about the game and even got to be a referee at one game. BYU-IDAHO sports are so unique in the fact that everyone is helping each other even if they are on opposing teams, they start and end each game with prayer, AND each player is required to read a conference talk and answer questions about it before being allowed to play in the weekend games!! I LOVE IT!! what a neat program the Lord has designed for HIS university!

Baby Shaq

Speaking of hoops (I just read the story about Josh), I have a story about Chris on Wednesday. He has been playing lots of basketball this winter, but it is his first love and he is doing quite well. The only thing is, he is a little height challenged. On the Jr. High team, he is the starting power forward but about the same height or a little shorter then the point guard. However, he does have some muscle behind that shorter body. He should be a fullback on the football team or even a center, but we are digressing...

Anyway, on Wednesday, Chris's rec team was playing against the tallest player in the league. He is 6th grader, but about 5'10". He has been dominating in the 6th grade team for the year and just reaches over the top to grab rebounds and put shots back up. Well, the first time down the court, he went to post up down near the basket. Chris saw the play coming and bodied up on him and started to move him out. He did everything with his body as his hands were straight in the air. By the time Billy caught the ball, he was about 10 feet away from the basket and near the foul line. He was not a happy camper, but took the shot. Chris turned around to block him out on the rebound and Billy reached over to try to get the ball back. Whistle and foul. Billy did not get the rebound (Chris did) and he now had his first foul. Billy was really frustrated by the end of the quarter. He had no points, 2 fouls and 1 rebound (defensive).

By the end of the game, Billy had 2 points and 4 fouls. His coach was really unhappy as was Billy's dad. I listened as the referees calmly explained Billy and a teammate were not allowed to climb over the back of another player and sorry that they had not called it before but they would in the future and that the way that Billy was being moved out of the post was not illegal because the other player did not use his hands. Even when Billy was pushing back with his body, he is not nearly as strong as Chris and my bubby just held his position. Most important, he kept his temper the whole time. His Jr. High coach who coaches with me in the rec said that Chris is definately Baby Shaq.

I Can't Smile Without You

I don't know if any of you have ever noticed but that Matthew Crowley has a smile that could melt the Winter Warlock's icy heart. I am so lucky because I get rewarded with that million dollar smile all day long! It is usually accompanied with a "Tank To Mom" translation "Thank You Mom." Like Heidi, I too feel too pretty for the housework I do sometimes but that little munchkin's smile makes it all worth it..

P.S. Oh yeah here's Matt's latest conversation:

Dad: "Matt do we like the Utes?"
Matt: "NO, Utes are weak."
Dad: "What color do the Cougars wear?"
Matt: "White and Blue"
Dad: "What colors do the Utes wear?"
Matt: "White and PINK!"

We are raising that boy right. :)

Josh's Amazing Night

Read about how Josh spent his Thursday night.

The Sense of Smell

Luckily we have been blessed with 5 wonderful senses; touch, taste, sight, hearing and smell. No offense to the other 4 but the sense of smell is what has been catching my attention today. Smells are funny things. I like the smell of my Burberry perufume, my fabric softener, my shampoo and conditioner, the smell of a shoe store, fresh baked cookies, brownies, cakes, pizza, my house (in california), my second house (in farmington), the smell of rain, the smell of the flowers my mom got for Valentines day, mens cologne, lotion from bath and body works, vanilla-the kind you cook with, the smell of gasoline, sharpies, and the beach. I'd like to thank my sense of smell for allowing me to enjoy these smells often. Unfortunately my sense of smell is a double edged sword. My little nose hairs don't filter out the smell of gas (the kind that people give off), nail polish remover, my house (in provo), pickles, fish, smelly feet, body odor, public restrooms, and old lady's perfume from my life. I guess I can be grateful that my list of good smells is much longer then the list of bad smells that sometimes have to fill my nose.

The Happiest Place

In just over a month, the Crowley's will be heading down to sunny SoCal to enjoy the wonders of Disneyland. Thanks to Elizabeth's conquests at the lunch with the Mayor (see below for details), the drive down should be quite entertaining. But the truth is, we're not very experienced at this Disneyland thing. We were wondering what advice you can all share for making the most of our Disneyland experience. We're planning to get the 3-day Park Hopper passes, so hopefully we'll have plenty of time to do it all.

So, how 'bout it? What are your best Disneyland tips?

Becoming Domestic

I've recently realized that I need to become more domestic. So tonight I decided to cook my new specialty...chicken alfredo pizza. Now I know that you are all really impressed and that you are now realizing that no suitable young returned missionary should read this because he will want to come marry me immediately because of my domestic skills. But wait....my domestic skills go far beyond that....in the last month I have gotten down the art of loading the dishwasher (I HATE unloading but I love to load), I have cleaned a filthy bathroom with bleach on my hands and knees, I have unclogged a hairy drain a few times, I have bleached my kitchen and vacuumed the hall. You see I think these talents of mine are just being developed. I can't wait to accumulate many more within the next couple of years and just see what is down my domestic road. I am thinking that one day I'll take the meaning of housewife to a new level. Heaven knows that I am way too pretty for all of this dirty work so I better have a husband who appreciates it (unlike my roommates) and he better be a man who doesn't expect it of me, he better not make me do all the work and he better give me a couple of days a week to recouperate from all of the household labor....

Dear California...

I would just like to thank you for the best weekend of my month. You have rejuninated me enough to be able to survive until we meet again. You supplied me with the great joy of being able to stick my feet out of the window and not see my toes turn from pastey white to purple. Instead I believe they went a little tan. You gave me the joy of In-n-out burger. You allowed me to feel the warmth of the sun and remember what 83 degrees feels like. You blessed me with the smell of the ocean water and the feeling of sand between my toes. You accented my red toenail polish with your grains of salt. Your roads guided me to the baptism of my close friend from high school. your roads helped me spend time with my best friend. You filled the vacancy and the void of my longing for my family. You are the one that I can thank for my immense joy and the greatest weekend. I have you to thank for the sick feeling in my stomach when I glanced at the "Welcome to Utah" sign. You are responsible for my feeling that I have the RIGHT to wear shorts in February. But then I come back to the cold, snowy place that I temporarily call home I do get a little spark of happiness inside me that reminds me that I get to look at the prettiest mountains, and go to an awesome university and live with fabulous roommates. Utah will do for a short time California. But you are the place that my heart will always long for. You have stolen my heart. I love you.

Hey Everyone

hi everybody. nobody else is writing anything so i thought i might. it's been a while since something was posted so i'll post something. write lots of comments on this so that i feel loved.

the day of LOVE

today is a day that can either be a day of celebrating a significant other or a day of sorrow, chocolate and a good romance movie ("an affair to remember" maybe....). well, with all of my 18 years of wisdom to back me up, i have come up with an alternative plan to celebrate this years valentine's day. I am celebrating all of the fabulous relationships i have that are not romantic! I am celebrating my love for my mom and dad. my love for my sisters and brother. my love for my aunts and uncles. my love for my cousins. my love for my roommates. my love for my ward. my love for my bishop and his counselors. my love for my home teachers. my love for my visiting teachers. my love for my classmates. my love my best friends. my love for dark chocolate. my love of my two feet that are able to get me around provo. my love for my red high heels. my love for the gospel of jesus christ. my love for modern technology. my love of this great country. my love for california. my love for the beach. my love for children with autism. my love of learning sign language. my love for a cute pair of jeans that do all the right things for all the right places. my love for life.

to you from me!!

HAPPY LOVE DAY!! i heart all of you!! muah!

WHAT THE.....

keri what in the world is that.. i look like a retard!! sick!! get that out of here! hahah! thanx fam! i sure love and miss you all!! (brad!) thanx for everything you do for me.. heather i promise sometime i will come and visit you.. that would be a blast and a half!! and yes uncle dave i turned 17! YAY!!! muah! loves and hugs!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LINDSAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

Have a wonderful birthday!!! We will all be thinking about you!!!

hey hey hey!

thanx for calling heather! i love ya!! and yes it is my birthday!! YAY!! haha!! love you all and thanx for all you do.. drop in a note sometime! muah!

oh the embarrassment...

So as I sat in my sign language class today i realized that some things are better left unsigned. I had just been working dilligently with my group on our ABC story that we have to present to the class (an ABC story is one where we have to sign a story using only the letters of the alphabet, no other "real" signs). We were having trouble with a certain letter and couldn't think of a way to use it in our story. Then the inspiration came to me! I knew how we were going to use this letter! I really am a genius and was so happy to keep my group moving along. Well, we decided to ask the teacher (who is deaf) if this was okay to use. (he is picky about certain letters and how we can use them in our stories) When I finally was able to get his attention, he came over to us. I then proceeded to sign "for this letter can we do this sign?" i had to explain a little bit of our story so he would know what was going on. then my teacher then got a look on his face that i never hope to see again and looked at me and signed "Do you know what that sign is?" thanks to being naive i had no idea. i told him i was not aware that that was a sign. As he began to fingerspell out this word, I felt my face turned bright red! Luckily I am able to read fingerspelling pretty well so he didn't have to respell it for me. After fingerspelling it he asked me if i understood. I responed with a definite YES! I then began to profusely thank him for letting me know so i didn't humilitate myself in front of the class! needless to say, i was very hesitant to ask him about any more signs today!

Our House

Hey

I just sent a reply to Keri on my original post. In short, we are suffering from computer problems that will be solved by the end of the week. I am not having any problems at work so I can post already. Shirley, Brad and maybe David and Chris should be able to post by the end of the week.

Dave

Janet....

Jan, i was just wondering if you got the package i sent yet? Just curious! Love you tons!!

Happy Monday,

We are still getting things set up at home, but I am having no problems at work. We will have the gang set up by weeks end I am sure. Chris had a game on Saturday against hated Moapa. It was a hard fought game, and we had a shot at the end, but missed. Chris had his best game as a Jr. High player. He had 5-6 rebounds, and 4 points on 2 for 2 shooting. He played a very good game. Also, Brad is doing track. He says he is going to run the 100, 200, 400, and maybe the 800. I thought he would be an 800 and 1600 guy.

Also, most of you will have talked to Rich about John. We are really going to need to help with this so that Mary does get a vacation and John is not in a nursing home. Details will have to follow.

Uncle Dave